• Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved employers (ensuring pastoral care and accommodation needs of workers are met to minimise health risks to visa holders and the community).
• Approved employers under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme will need to continue engaging with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment on labour market testing to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
• Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) who work in agriculture or food processing will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.
• Conditions will be placed upon visa holders to self-isolate for 14 days before taking up employment in a different region (including termination of visas where there is non-compliance).
• To support implementation of self-isolation arrangements for visa holders and avoid spread of COVID-19 the government is working with states and territories on enforcement and sanction mechanisms.
• Employers will need to commit to providing safe accommodation for agricultural workers that complies with social distancing requirements.

View the joint Media Release here...

Hort Innovation have provided a COVID-19 Resource Page providing alerts and resources that are intended to help growers and others in the horticulture industry keep up to date with trusted information in these unusual times – particularly news and updates relating to continuing to operate.  Click here to access.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a great deal of information distributed by government departments and industry groups concerning COVID-19.  In response, Fruit Growers Victoria have prepared information support packages as well as additional resources (available to download from the FGV website) relevant to growers, listing your responsibilities as an employer, what measures you need to take on orchard for yourself and your employees and what benefits and funding that is being made available.

Most of you will be aware that Fruit Growers Victoria provide Secretariat Services for SEDA and are happy to share this information that will be relevant to SEDA members as well.

Please note that the situation is changing and evolving daily, so FGV have created a COVID-19 Resource/Update page that we welcome you to visit.  

Stay safe and well.

Due to restrictions caused by the ongoing threat of COVID-19, APAL has unfortunately been forced to cancel the 2020 APAL Industry Forum.

This year's APAL Awards for Excellence will still be awarded - follow the link below to nominate an outstanding contributor to our industry that deserves recognition: https://bit.ly/394ZGaP

Visit the APAL website for more information...

Hort Innovation have complied a list of resources that may be of assistance during this time.
Resource Themes are as follows:

• Confirmation that agriculture is an essential service
• Continuing to operate in these circumstances for horticulture businesses and workers
• Australian and international borders
• Labour updates and resources
• Financial and business assistance
• Safety of horticultural produce
• General COVID-19 information
• Mental wellbeing and support

Visit the Hort Innovation website to access these resources...

Key points:

• COVID-19 is unlikely to be passed on through fresh produce
• Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer after handling your groceries and fresh produce
• Do not wash fresh produce in soap or detergent
• Soap is not designed for use on food and any residues on fresh produce can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
• The FDA in the US says to wash fresh fruits and vegetables in cold water

Visit the Fresh Produce Safety Centre website for more information..